Hello out there, I thought I would write up a guide/FAQ for Gundam kits given the recent interest around the forum. A lot of folks have talked about wanting to try one and if you've never done one it can be a tad overwhelming to know where to start. I have several in my stash, but I didn't have any Real Grade kits (more on that later) yet so I bought two and will build one in this thread with you all. They can be a nice distraction or change of pace from the norm and I encourage everyone to try one.
I'll break this up into a couple sections and leave links here in this post so you can jump to them instead of scroll on and on looking for a specific section. Following the links will be a brief note from me about why everyone should give one of these kits a try, but it's not integral to the guide so I won't make you scroll through it unless you want to read it.
Before all that, a disclaimer: I am not an expert. Not like some of the folks you'll find in the links I'll leave in this FAQ. I started building these around 1989, did perhaps 30 of them, and then between '95 and January 2016 I barely built three kits. However I do know a little, so I'm going to share that with you. If you see something wrong or know something I don't, by all means contribute and we'll add it to the guide/FAQ. Cool? Cool.
Shall we begin?
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Last edited by Lysus on Fri Jul 29, 2016 6:19 pm, edited 8 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
TOOLS
Ok, so most of you will have everything you need already. There's no magic "Gundam" tool out there that's needed. However, just in case you're new to the hobby completely and somehow found your way here let's take just a moment to go over some of the basic tools. Note I mean BASIC. This means enough to get the parts off the runner and put together.
A cutting tool.
These can be a hobby knife or nippers, but I recommend both. While both, you know, cut plastic, they do it differently and it's important to use each according to their strengths. If you HAD to choose one over the other, I would say get the nippers first.
Why? Because though a hobby knife can be used to cut the parts free from the runners, the way they do it—with you putting downward pressure on the runner—can warp or damage the part. Nippers reach in and only apply pressure to the point of contact, reducing the stress on the plastic part nearby.
You can grab a generic X-acto hobby knife or cheap nippers for under $10 USD pretty easily, and in the case of the X-acto they'll last a long time with the occasional refreshing of blades. The nippers, though, I would say if you can, don't skimp. I don't mean break the bank and go buy God Hands, but $20-30 USD for some Tamiya side-cutters or Gundam Planet nippers isn't THAT much more in the grand scheme of things and the leap in quality is noticeable. (I've heard some Xurons are decent, but I've never used one—they seem to be priced between the cheap-os and the Tamiya/GP nippers).
After the nippers, get the hobby knife. They're still useful, especially for some of the nub removal and if you need to alter an ill-fitted piece. Like I said, the price on these doesn't really reflect how well they work, it's the blades that matter. The handle is just what you grip so go with the one that feels best in hand. Myself, I like my Tamiya hobby knife ($10-20 depending on where you get it), but I still have some old X-actos around since they were my first knives.
Sanders
You can get away with no sanders at all if you're really handy with the hobby knife. And for those building their first ever model kit, or the younger crowd, it's entirely acceptable to do no sanding whatsoever. Bandai does a good job of hiding their nubs on the completed kits. But if you want to really make those nubs disappear, you'll need to sand. First, there's the trusty old file:
Seems harsh, or foolish, to take a metal file to a plastic kit, but once we get to the build you'll see why it's a handy tool. Two to four strokes of a metal file on a runner nub and it's gone. Tamiya sells a set for $8-9 that comes with three cross-cut files and they're all you'll ever need. Of course they sell progressively more expensive ones, but if you're just starting out don't break the bank to gain a 2% increase in efficacy (see God Hand nippers vs. Tamiya above).
Next you should get your hands on some sanding sticks. I've tried a few since coming back to the hobby and the Ultimate sanders are splendid:
If you're on a budget, grab at least a thinny stick pack for the white and black sanders. The thin bits are very handy for some of the small spaces you'll be sanding in. Next look for the grey thinny sponge for curved surfaces. Finally, get a hold of the buffer stick. Maybe you've got your own system, and that's cool, but at a minimum make sure you have some high grit (read: very fine) sanders or paper to remove blemishes and nubs.
Tweezers
Get some. At least one pair, something to handle stickers if you're not painting or decals if you've gotten some aftermarket. These don't have to be fancy in any way, just get a size that feels comfortable to use for you. I almost left these in "Optional," but there may come a time when you need to grab a tiny part or pry pieces apart again and it's just nice to have tweezers. And they're cheap. No reason not to have some.
Optional:
Glue
Yes, all Bandai kits are snap-tight. However, not all parts will snap tightly—especially on older kits—and if you're serious about seam removal before painting, it's good to seal up the gaps. Tamiya Extra Thin (TET) is really all you should need, thicker glues are almost never necessary. It's good to have thicker glue, but if you can only get one, get the TET. If you're never going to paint the kit, you might consider skipping glue, but you might run into a detail part that won't stay put sometimes, so it's good to have some nearby.
Panel Liners
These can be enamel liners like Tamiya's, clay washes like Ultimate, and Gundam markers. Gundam kits are loaded with details and lines, and making them pop helps complete the kit. If I had to choose only one, I would grab the Tamiya Panel Liners, one black, one grey. These can be used with or without painting and gloss coats, the bare plastic is perfectly suitable for them. An enamel thinner or mineral spirits (preferred option, in my opinion) can take off excess and slop. Don't use lighter fluid. Just…just don't.
I love the Ultimate washes, but the kits are not smooth surfaces like aircraft and it can be a bit hard to coat and remove the wash. That being said, there are times when they are absolutely useful, so if you don't have some already, make these your number two grab for weathering after painting and a gloss coat.
Gundam Markers, ehhh… Look, I'll be honest here. They're nice, sure, you draw along the panel line and hey presto, a line! However you can save some money by just going to an art supply store, grabbing a fine tip ink pen, and making an enamel wash of your own or using some ink. You can get some black, grey, or whatever color you like for pennies compared to the Gundam Marker sets. Nothing wrong with them, and it certainly saves you the hassle if your hobby shop just has a set there and you have the cash. I'm just saying these fall into the "luxury" category more than the other two.
Enamel washes can be removed with mineral spirits, ink with an eraser—you read that right. If you panel line a "naked" kit, that is, one that isn't painted, wait 10-20 minutes and then use an eraser to rub off the excess ink. This doesn't apply to painted kits with a gloss coat, it's just a funny thing that works ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Ok, so most of you will have everything you need already. There's no magic "Gundam" tool out there that's needed. However, just in case you're new to the hobby completely and somehow found your way here let's take just a moment to go over some of the basic tools. Note I mean BASIC. This means enough to get the parts off the runner and put together.
A cutting tool.
These can be a hobby knife or nippers, but I recommend both. While both, you know, cut plastic, they do it differently and it's important to use each according to their strengths. If you HAD to choose one over the other, I would say get the nippers first.
Why? Because though a hobby knife can be used to cut the parts free from the runners, the way they do it—with you putting downward pressure on the runner—can warp or damage the part. Nippers reach in and only apply pressure to the point of contact, reducing the stress on the plastic part nearby.
You can grab a generic X-acto hobby knife or cheap nippers for under $10 USD pretty easily, and in the case of the X-acto they'll last a long time with the occasional refreshing of blades. The nippers, though, I would say if you can, don't skimp. I don't mean break the bank and go buy God Hands, but $20-30 USD for some Tamiya side-cutters or Gundam Planet nippers isn't THAT much more in the grand scheme of things and the leap in quality is noticeable. (I've heard some Xurons are decent, but I've never used one—they seem to be priced between the cheap-os and the Tamiya/GP nippers).
After the nippers, get the hobby knife. They're still useful, especially for some of the nub removal and if you need to alter an ill-fitted piece. Like I said, the price on these doesn't really reflect how well they work, it's the blades that matter. The handle is just what you grip so go with the one that feels best in hand. Myself, I like my Tamiya hobby knife ($10-20 depending on where you get it), but I still have some old X-actos around since they were my first knives.
Sanders
You can get away with no sanders at all if you're really handy with the hobby knife. And for those building their first ever model kit, or the younger crowd, it's entirely acceptable to do no sanding whatsoever. Bandai does a good job of hiding their nubs on the completed kits. But if you want to really make those nubs disappear, you'll need to sand. First, there's the trusty old file:
Seems harsh, or foolish, to take a metal file to a plastic kit, but once we get to the build you'll see why it's a handy tool. Two to four strokes of a metal file on a runner nub and it's gone. Tamiya sells a set for $8-9 that comes with three cross-cut files and they're all you'll ever need. Of course they sell progressively more expensive ones, but if you're just starting out don't break the bank to gain a 2% increase in efficacy (see God Hand nippers vs. Tamiya above).
Next you should get your hands on some sanding sticks. I've tried a few since coming back to the hobby and the Ultimate sanders are splendid:
If you're on a budget, grab at least a thinny stick pack for the white and black sanders. The thin bits are very handy for some of the small spaces you'll be sanding in. Next look for the grey thinny sponge for curved surfaces. Finally, get a hold of the buffer stick. Maybe you've got your own system, and that's cool, but at a minimum make sure you have some high grit (read: very fine) sanders or paper to remove blemishes and nubs.
Tweezers
Get some. At least one pair, something to handle stickers if you're not painting or decals if you've gotten some aftermarket. These don't have to be fancy in any way, just get a size that feels comfortable to use for you. I almost left these in "Optional," but there may come a time when you need to grab a tiny part or pry pieces apart again and it's just nice to have tweezers. And they're cheap. No reason not to have some.
Optional:
Glue
Yes, all Bandai kits are snap-tight. However, not all parts will snap tightly—especially on older kits—and if you're serious about seam removal before painting, it's good to seal up the gaps. Tamiya Extra Thin (TET) is really all you should need, thicker glues are almost never necessary. It's good to have thicker glue, but if you can only get one, get the TET. If you're never going to paint the kit, you might consider skipping glue, but you might run into a detail part that won't stay put sometimes, so it's good to have some nearby.
Panel Liners
These can be enamel liners like Tamiya's, clay washes like Ultimate, and Gundam markers. Gundam kits are loaded with details and lines, and making them pop helps complete the kit. If I had to choose only one, I would grab the Tamiya Panel Liners, one black, one grey. These can be used with or without painting and gloss coats, the bare plastic is perfectly suitable for them. An enamel thinner or mineral spirits (preferred option, in my opinion) can take off excess and slop. Don't use lighter fluid. Just…just don't.
I love the Ultimate washes, but the kits are not smooth surfaces like aircraft and it can be a bit hard to coat and remove the wash. That being said, there are times when they are absolutely useful, so if you don't have some already, make these your number two grab for weathering after painting and a gloss coat.
Gundam Markers, ehhh… Look, I'll be honest here. They're nice, sure, you draw along the panel line and hey presto, a line! However you can save some money by just going to an art supply store, grabbing a fine tip ink pen, and making an enamel wash of your own or using some ink. You can get some black, grey, or whatever color you like for pennies compared to the Gundam Marker sets. Nothing wrong with them, and it certainly saves you the hassle if your hobby shop just has a set there and you have the cash. I'm just saying these fall into the "luxury" category more than the other two.
Enamel washes can be removed with mineral spirits, ink with an eraser—you read that right. If you panel line a "naked" kit, that is, one that isn't painted, wait 10-20 minutes and then use an eraser to rub off the excess ink. This doesn't apply to painted kits with a gloss coat, it's just a funny thing that works ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 10:08 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Grades - Choosing the Right Kit
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
Since about 1999, Bandai has assigned a grade to their kits to signify the complexity level. If you're looking at two kits of the same mobile suit and wondering why one is $15 USD and the other is $75 USD, this is why. The higher the grade, the more parts, details, and points of articulation you'll get.
High Grade ($10-40)
High Grade kits (HG) are nicely detailed and articulated. These are always 1/144 scale and use a soft plastic polycap system of ball joints and peg joints for articulation. Note if you're planning on painting, these polycaps CANNOT be exposed to paints, especially lacquer, as they will become brittle and crack. If you've never built a Gundam kit, never built ANY kit, or just want to try one without sinking serious money into a build, these are a great choice. The part count is the lowest of all the grades. These kits were started in 1990 with a limited run, and again in 1999 as a new standard; new ones are still made today, so quality can vary widely. Since 1999 they are numbered 001 to 200 (so far) with a few kits getting "revive" releases with new toolings. Though there are a few kits that are huge (even at 1/144) and can be as much as $40 USD, most will be $10-25. These will always come packed with stickers and no decals. Builds are typically 5 inches (12cm) tall.
NOTE: There was an HG line released in 1990 that, while much better than the non-grades to that point, are not quite the same as the newer HG line. Also called "OG-HG." There were only 4 or so made and it's not likely you'll run into them.
Real Grade ($20-30)
Real Grade kits (RG) were introduced in 2010 and feature all new toolings and the latest in design techniques. Similar to the HG kits, these are all 1/144. Whereas the HG kits are an armor shell that clips together, the RG kits feature a solid inner frame (like an endoskeleton) that armor is snapped onto.
This means no polycaps and you can paint and weather the machine parts if you desire—it's not uncommon for RG kits to feature cut-outs in the armor to show off the mechanics. Similar to the HG kits, these are a great choice to start with. They are a bit more complex to build than the HG line, if this is going to be someone's first ever model kit I might suggest an HG instead, but it's not that big of a deal. There are so far only 21 RG kits in the line, so your choice of kit is far more limited than with the HG, but more are on the way. The articulation is much better than with the HG meaning you can get much better poses out of your mobile suit. These too will always come with stickers packed in. Builds are typically 5 inches (12cm) tall.
Master Grade ($25-110+)
Up from HG/RG is the Master Grade (MG). These kits will be 1/100 scale and feature many, many more parts. The details will be more intricate and numerous, and the articulation will be an improvement over the HG counterparts. There's over 200 MG kits to choose from, but as with the HG line there are older kits and newer kits with a difference in quality. However this also means that you can grab an older tooling kit for as little as $25 USD and compared to the HG kits it will still be pretty great. Joints will vary from the polycaps in the older kits to the inner frames of the newer RG kits. Your part count can double or even triple depending on the kit, but they will also be color molded so if you've had some experience or no experience and are a brave builder you can dive right in without investing in a lot of paint gear. Some of the older kits are getting revive versions, and these are fantastic to check out as they will have the latest tooling and technology included. These will always have stickers packed in, many will have dry transfers, and some will have water slide decals. Builds are typically 7+ inches (18cm) tall.
Perfect Grade ($100-250)
The top of the line, Perfect Grade (PG) kits are monstrous at 1/60 scale. In addition to the high part count, you will get a ton of options, the most screen-accurate and detailed kits, and the highest amount of articulation. All will feature armor that you can remove at will to display the inner frame, and if you're not into painting, they will come molded in correct colors—not just close to, but completely correct. These should not be attempted if you have never built a Gundam kit. Bandai sells LED lighting kits for many of these kits (though some can be very pricey, the LED for the PG Gundam Unicorn/Unicorn Banshee can be $80-100USD). These will have stickers, dry transfer, and sometimes water slide decals, though Bandai tends to sell the decals separately to pull a little more money from your wallet. Builds are typically 12+ inches (32cm) tall.
Non-grade
Prior to the start of the HG line at the turn of the Century, Bandai released kits for series with no real pattern. Some were 1/144, some were 1/100, and a few were 1/60. (2011 did see the release of a 1/48 Zaku II!) The earliest kits from 1980 to about '86 were very simple, stiff, and often required a lot of gluing and fitting. However, by '87 the kits took a leap in terms of quality and anything following that is quite good, if a bit simple or stiff, and can be had for very little money. Most of these will be from 0080, 0083, F-91, Zeta, ZZ, Wing, and Char's Counterattack.
As I said, they won't be up to the level of the post 2000 kits in terms of detail or articulation, but they're often dirt cheap and feature many great designs that have yet to get an HG or RG treatment. Anything from 1988 to 1998 will be decent to great.
Side note: this also includes the UC Hard Graph line, a short series of 1/35 scale kits featuring figures and unique builds like a blown up zaku head, Gundam arm, armored vehicles, and the amazing M61A5 MBT kit.
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
Since about 1999, Bandai has assigned a grade to their kits to signify the complexity level. If you're looking at two kits of the same mobile suit and wondering why one is $15 USD and the other is $75 USD, this is why. The higher the grade, the more parts, details, and points of articulation you'll get.
High Grade ($10-40)
High Grade kits (HG) are nicely detailed and articulated. These are always 1/144 scale and use a soft plastic polycap system of ball joints and peg joints for articulation. Note if you're planning on painting, these polycaps CANNOT be exposed to paints, especially lacquer, as they will become brittle and crack. If you've never built a Gundam kit, never built ANY kit, or just want to try one without sinking serious money into a build, these are a great choice. The part count is the lowest of all the grades. These kits were started in 1990 with a limited run, and again in 1999 as a new standard; new ones are still made today, so quality can vary widely. Since 1999 they are numbered 001 to 200 (so far) with a few kits getting "revive" releases with new toolings. Though there are a few kits that are huge (even at 1/144) and can be as much as $40 USD, most will be $10-25. These will always come packed with stickers and no decals. Builds are typically 5 inches (12cm) tall.
NOTE: There was an HG line released in 1990 that, while much better than the non-grades to that point, are not quite the same as the newer HG line. Also called "OG-HG." There were only 4 or so made and it's not likely you'll run into them.
Real Grade ($20-30)
Real Grade kits (RG) were introduced in 2010 and feature all new toolings and the latest in design techniques. Similar to the HG kits, these are all 1/144. Whereas the HG kits are an armor shell that clips together, the RG kits feature a solid inner frame (like an endoskeleton) that armor is snapped onto.
This means no polycaps and you can paint and weather the machine parts if you desire—it's not uncommon for RG kits to feature cut-outs in the armor to show off the mechanics. Similar to the HG kits, these are a great choice to start with. They are a bit more complex to build than the HG line, if this is going to be someone's first ever model kit I might suggest an HG instead, but it's not that big of a deal. There are so far only 21 RG kits in the line, so your choice of kit is far more limited than with the HG, but more are on the way. The articulation is much better than with the HG meaning you can get much better poses out of your mobile suit. These too will always come with stickers packed in. Builds are typically 5 inches (12cm) tall.
Master Grade ($25-110+)
Up from HG/RG is the Master Grade (MG). These kits will be 1/100 scale and feature many, many more parts. The details will be more intricate and numerous, and the articulation will be an improvement over the HG counterparts. There's over 200 MG kits to choose from, but as with the HG line there are older kits and newer kits with a difference in quality. However this also means that you can grab an older tooling kit for as little as $25 USD and compared to the HG kits it will still be pretty great. Joints will vary from the polycaps in the older kits to the inner frames of the newer RG kits. Your part count can double or even triple depending on the kit, but they will also be color molded so if you've had some experience or no experience and are a brave builder you can dive right in without investing in a lot of paint gear. Some of the older kits are getting revive versions, and these are fantastic to check out as they will have the latest tooling and technology included. These will always have stickers packed in, many will have dry transfers, and some will have water slide decals. Builds are typically 7+ inches (18cm) tall.
Perfect Grade ($100-250)
The top of the line, Perfect Grade (PG) kits are monstrous at 1/60 scale. In addition to the high part count, you will get a ton of options, the most screen-accurate and detailed kits, and the highest amount of articulation. All will feature armor that you can remove at will to display the inner frame, and if you're not into painting, they will come molded in correct colors—not just close to, but completely correct. These should not be attempted if you have never built a Gundam kit. Bandai sells LED lighting kits for many of these kits (though some can be very pricey, the LED for the PG Gundam Unicorn/Unicorn Banshee can be $80-100USD). These will have stickers, dry transfer, and sometimes water slide decals, though Bandai tends to sell the decals separately to pull a little more money from your wallet. Builds are typically 12+ inches (32cm) tall.
Non-grade
Prior to the start of the HG line at the turn of the Century, Bandai released kits for series with no real pattern. Some were 1/144, some were 1/100, and a few were 1/60. (2011 did see the release of a 1/48 Zaku II!) The earliest kits from 1980 to about '86 were very simple, stiff, and often required a lot of gluing and fitting. However, by '87 the kits took a leap in terms of quality and anything following that is quite good, if a bit simple or stiff, and can be had for very little money. Most of these will be from 0080, 0083, F-91, Zeta, ZZ, Wing, and Char's Counterattack.
As I said, they won't be up to the level of the post 2000 kits in terms of detail or articulation, but they're often dirt cheap and feature many great designs that have yet to get an HG or RG treatment. Anything from 1988 to 1998 will be decent to great.
Side note: this also includes the UC Hard Graph line, a short series of 1/35 scale kits featuring figures and unique builds like a blown up zaku head, Gundam arm, armored vehicles, and the amazing M61A5 MBT kit.
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:33 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Glossary
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
BB/SD Senshi – Cute versions of the kits, small bodies, big heads. The BB lines will sometimes be dressed up as samurai. BB and SD, or Super Deformed, will be straight big head kits, though often with cartoon eyes. These are aimed towards younger kids, but have a cult following among adults as well. BB used to stand for the pellets the kits used to shoot from their guns before health and safety decided enough was enough with all the kids shooting their eyes out.
Binder – Shoulders. Seriously. Some of them are quite large and house engines and so on. Just good to know in case the kit description talks about "binders" so you know what they mean.
Converge – NOT a kit. Anything marked "Converge" is a collectable toy you get in a box. Just a warning.
Daban – A bootleg kit. These can be cheaper than the real Bandai kits and come with (sometimes) better accessories, but the quality is down and you do get what you pay for. Rare to see outside Japan, but be wary none the less.
GFT – A kit marked "GFT" is a special edition kit sold out of the store at Gundam Front Tokyo, Bandai's flagship Gundam store. These versions are ONLY sold there and will fetch a high price from resellers.
Gimmick - A feature--be it articulation or detail like a hatch that opens to reveal a pilot--that is otherwise not the standard. Other examples include double jointed articulation, articulation in the chest allowing for a greater range of motion, or armor that splits open when a limb is flexed to reveal the substructure.
Gunpla – A Gundam kit. Also the act of building a Gundam kit. A portmanteau of "Gundam Plamo." It originally was reserved only for builders who modified their kits through scratch building or kit-bashing, but has been extended to the entire hobby of building a Gundam kit.
Manipulator – Hands. See "Binder" for why I bothered to mention this, though it is less commonly heard.
Mobile Suit/MS – The machine itself (Gundam, Zaku, whatever) is called a "mobile suit." Anything that is larger than an MS but is not a ship is a "mobile armor."
MSV – Mobile Suit Variation kit. These were made in the '80s and are mostly designs that were never used in the TV show or films. Some unique stuff there, but these fall into the pre-1988 world of kit quality. Cheap, though.
OVA – Original Video Animation; the kit is based on an OVA and not a movie or televised series. Not important to the kit, just wanted you to know why that shows up on some of the non-grade kits. It's not anything to worry about.
P-Bandai - Special edition of a Bandai kit, "Premium" Bandai kits will have lots of special parts and so on. These will be very expensive and are typically available ONLY to customers with a mailing address in Japan. Therefore, they're EXPENSIVE through resellers.
Plamo – Plastic Model making. The act of making plastic models.
Polycap – Soft plastic used in joints for both peg-in-hole and ball-in-socket. Plastic cement and CA will not work on these. CA can hold briefly but not well, superglue will melt the plastic. Use caution with them.
Revive – A remaster or retooling of an older kit. If it's not already marked with a "ver 2.0" but says "revive" then you've got a newer version kit.
SD - (see BB/SD)
Snap-up, Snapper – To build the kit without glue. To build the kit before breaking it down again for painting. A "Snapper" is a person who only builds the kits and never paints them.
System injection – This is just Bandai's term for the way they create the multi-color runners.
Undergate, undergated – The runner (sprue) gate is connected to the piece in such a way that the nub is not on a surface of the model that you see after building. It's great when they undergate a runner, often found on the metal coated kits.
Ver.Ka – A special edition, basically. Not a limited run, but rather a rerelease of a kit with more details, more accessories, and often decals or dry transfers. These are almost without exception better than the original kits they are based on. Ver.Ka stands for "Version Katoki" as they are specially designed kits by manga artist and mecha designer Katoki Hajime.
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
BB/SD Senshi – Cute versions of the kits, small bodies, big heads. The BB lines will sometimes be dressed up as samurai. BB and SD, or Super Deformed, will be straight big head kits, though often with cartoon eyes. These are aimed towards younger kids, but have a cult following among adults as well. BB used to stand for the pellets the kits used to shoot from their guns before health and safety decided enough was enough with all the kids shooting their eyes out.
Binder – Shoulders. Seriously. Some of them are quite large and house engines and so on. Just good to know in case the kit description talks about "binders" so you know what they mean.
Converge – NOT a kit. Anything marked "Converge" is a collectable toy you get in a box. Just a warning.
Daban – A bootleg kit. These can be cheaper than the real Bandai kits and come with (sometimes) better accessories, but the quality is down and you do get what you pay for. Rare to see outside Japan, but be wary none the less.
GFT – A kit marked "GFT" is a special edition kit sold out of the store at Gundam Front Tokyo, Bandai's flagship Gundam store. These versions are ONLY sold there and will fetch a high price from resellers.
Gimmick - A feature--be it articulation or detail like a hatch that opens to reveal a pilot--that is otherwise not the standard. Other examples include double jointed articulation, articulation in the chest allowing for a greater range of motion, or armor that splits open when a limb is flexed to reveal the substructure.
Gunpla – A Gundam kit. Also the act of building a Gundam kit. A portmanteau of "Gundam Plamo." It originally was reserved only for builders who modified their kits through scratch building or kit-bashing, but has been extended to the entire hobby of building a Gundam kit.
Manipulator – Hands. See "Binder" for why I bothered to mention this, though it is less commonly heard.
Mobile Suit/MS – The machine itself (Gundam, Zaku, whatever) is called a "mobile suit." Anything that is larger than an MS but is not a ship is a "mobile armor."
MSV – Mobile Suit Variation kit. These were made in the '80s and are mostly designs that were never used in the TV show or films. Some unique stuff there, but these fall into the pre-1988 world of kit quality. Cheap, though.
OVA – Original Video Animation; the kit is based on an OVA and not a movie or televised series. Not important to the kit, just wanted you to know why that shows up on some of the non-grade kits. It's not anything to worry about.
P-Bandai - Special edition of a Bandai kit, "Premium" Bandai kits will have lots of special parts and so on. These will be very expensive and are typically available ONLY to customers with a mailing address in Japan. Therefore, they're EXPENSIVE through resellers.
Plamo – Plastic Model making. The act of making plastic models.
Polycap – Soft plastic used in joints for both peg-in-hole and ball-in-socket. Plastic cement and CA will not work on these. CA can hold briefly but not well, superglue will melt the plastic. Use caution with them.
Revive – A remaster or retooling of an older kit. If it's not already marked with a "ver 2.0" but says "revive" then you've got a newer version kit.
SD - (see BB/SD)
Snap-up, Snapper – To build the kit without glue. To build the kit before breaking it down again for painting. A "Snapper" is a person who only builds the kits and never paints them.
System injection – This is just Bandai's term for the way they create the multi-color runners.
Undergate, undergated – The runner (sprue) gate is connected to the piece in such a way that the nub is not on a surface of the model that you see after building. It's great when they undergate a runner, often found on the metal coated kits.
Ver.Ka – A special edition, basically. Not a limited run, but rather a rerelease of a kit with more details, more accessories, and often decals or dry transfers. These are almost without exception better than the original kits they are based on. Ver.Ka stands for "Version Katoki" as they are specially designed kits by manga artist and mecha designer Katoki Hajime.
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:32 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Links and References
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
There's a lot to know, and more than I can type up here without running a blog inside the forum. So here's some links to sites and YouTube channels I find helpful.
Gundam.Info http://na.gundam.info/index/white
Bandai's official site. Great for tracking new releases and other news. They also stream a bunch of the animated series, though usually just the newer ones. They will be in Japanese and subtitled in various languages depending upon which region you log in from. No dubs.
mech9 http://www.mech9.com/
Kit reviews and manual color call out translations for some of the kits. Sorely lacking a search function. Of a particular help is the page for translating all the symbols you'll see in the Bandai manual:
Meaning of the symbols found in a Bandai Model Kit's Manual
HobbySearch http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
A good site to use to research what's in the box. Most kits will have pictures of the entire contents of the box and the instruction manual. I've bought from them once or twice as well and had a good experience.
MAHQ http://www.mahq.net/animation/gundam/gundam.htm
Mecha and Anime Headquarters (MAHQ) has line art for just about every MS under the sun. It can be helpful to see what the machines look like, but you can't just look through pictures, you basically have to click on the names and have a look. Still, they're almost ALL there, so…
YouTube
(7/26 Note: There's a zillion channels out there, but I'm trying to vet them a little to find the better ones to list here. I didn't want to hold up the posting of this part of the guide so more will be added over time—of course if you know of one you like I can add it.)
Zaku Aurelius
TONS of kit reviews that are informative and to the point; each kit will get an unboxing, a very quick preview of the finished (snapped-up) kit, and a third video with an in-depth review of the kit from articulation to features and gimmicks. Also films shopping trips to Japan just in case you want to travel vicariously. Also does a monthly news show with new kit information.
Justinius Builds
Tons of tutorials from cutting to weathering; easy to watch, though sometimes a bit too long. Snapped builds to full painted and weathered builds.
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
There's a lot to know, and more than I can type up here without running a blog inside the forum. So here's some links to sites and YouTube channels I find helpful.
Gundam.Info http://na.gundam.info/index/white
Bandai's official site. Great for tracking new releases and other news. They also stream a bunch of the animated series, though usually just the newer ones. They will be in Japanese and subtitled in various languages depending upon which region you log in from. No dubs.
mech9 http://www.mech9.com/
Kit reviews and manual color call out translations for some of the kits. Sorely lacking a search function. Of a particular help is the page for translating all the symbols you'll see in the Bandai manual:
Meaning of the symbols found in a Bandai Model Kit's Manual
HobbySearch http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
A good site to use to research what's in the box. Most kits will have pictures of the entire contents of the box and the instruction manual. I've bought from them once or twice as well and had a good experience.
MAHQ http://www.mahq.net/animation/gundam/gundam.htm
Mecha and Anime Headquarters (MAHQ) has line art for just about every MS under the sun. It can be helpful to see what the machines look like, but you can't just look through pictures, you basically have to click on the names and have a look. Still, they're almost ALL there, so…
YouTube
(7/26 Note: There's a zillion channels out there, but I'm trying to vet them a little to find the better ones to list here. I didn't want to hold up the posting of this part of the guide so more will be added over time—of course if you know of one you like I can add it.)
Zaku Aurelius
TONS of kit reviews that are informative and to the point; each kit will get an unboxing, a very quick preview of the finished (snapped-up) kit, and a third video with an in-depth review of the kit from articulation to features and gimmicks. Also films shopping trips to Japan just in case you want to travel vicariously. Also does a monthly news show with new kit information.
Justinius Builds
Tons of tutorials from cutting to weathering; easy to watch, though sometimes a bit too long. Snapped builds to full painted and weathered builds.
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:34 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Aftermarket and Online Retail
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
As with aircraft and AFV there is a healthy amount of aftermarket available. You can find detail parts, custom weapons and hands, etc., and photo-etch upgrades. Bandai themselves make their own aftermarket parts. The other major producer of aftermarket is Kotobukiya (koh-toh-boo-key-yuh) which makes anything from unique guns to display stands. You might find these at your LHS, or online through HLJ, eBay, HobbySearch, etc.
I'll leave some links for shops but I don't shop worldwide for these, so if you know of one, let me know and I'll add it. Otherwise as time goes on I'll periodically search out different suppliers and add to this list myself (I hope).
Before all that, here's just a sample list of typical upgrades:
Action Base - A stand made specifically to hold Gundam kits. Bandai makes a bunch of stands and they're usually only about $6 USD. They of course can stand on their own, but if you want a great pose, pop for one of the Bandai stands at a minimum. Well worth it.
Kotobukiya also makes stands, but in limited runs. (My favorite, the Flying Base R is out of production right now, so the three I got last February for the egg plane build that cost me $25 shipped would now be about $90 shipped…yikes)
Custom Hands – If your kit has some of the older style closed fists with no articulation, you can find sets from Bandai for different hand poses. Note: be careful you select a set with the same scale, they come in 1/144 and 1/100.
Custom Weapons – Usually from Kotobukiya, unique rifles, bazookas, swords, what have you.
Lenses – Either sight lenses for weapons (instead of the sticker or flat plastic indentation) or for mono-eyes.
PE parts for metallic details – Thrusters, vents, bolts, metal verniers (thruster bells).
Waterslide Decals – A few different places to find these, including (frustratingly) Bandai themselves. Some folks run a cottage industry printing their own custom sets, while Bandai's will either be specific to a kit or just a general set of symbols and font-correct letters and numbers.
Online Stores:
USA Gundam Store http://www.usagundamstore.com/
A good place to start looking for aftermarket parts. They tend to sell out quickly and take a while to restock, though. They also have kits for sale.
Japan:Cool UK http://japan-cool.co.uk/
Similar to USA Gundam Store, but on the other side of the Atlantic.
MindFenix AU https://www.mindfenix.com.au/
For the Aussies, MindFenix carries a lot of kits including P-Bandai that are hard to find elsewhere. As far as I know they do not ship worldwide.
Hobby Link Japan http://hlj.com/
They carry most of the Bandai and Kotobukiya aftermarket, though quantities come and go. I've never had a problem with them, but their shipping costs can add up quickly. They actually have an entire category for Gundam in their search drop-down menu. Once there, you should find categories down the left with aftermarket options.
HobbySearch http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
A good site to use to research what's in the box. Most kits will have pictures of the entire contents of the box and the instruction manual. I've bought from them once or twice as well and had a good experience. (Repost from Resources, but you can buy from them too, obviously.)
Samueldecal https://www.facebook.com/Samueldecal/
Need decals? Bandai doesn't make them for your kit? This is your guy. He's migrating to a new website so right now handles everything through Facebook, but he responds to messages with a day or two and will do custom work if you send him images to print. He also keeps a stock of 3rd party decals from other sellers. Note that sometimes you can run into "engrish" on the decals, but considering even the official materials have a lot of misspelling it's not a big deal. (I don't know if you noticed that the Doms I'm building for the Sci-Fi SiG are "Mass Productive" and "Desert Valiant"…just saying…) Custom decals may or may not be pre-cut depending on the nature of the decals you want.
He's very easy to contact and work with, and my impression is the complaints about spelling are from two sources: 3rd party decals and customer/user error from custom text (i.e. they can't spell to begin with). Of course, you can make your own at home, but it's a hassle and all reports say he's an ace at shipping and, if you aren't satisfied, making it right when it goes wrong.
eBay and Amazon
Obviously. But check out what you're looking for on one of the above sites first and then compare. Sometimes they can be cheaper, many times not. Also, make sure you check the seller history on both. Amazon in particular won't alway make it 100% clear that you're buying from a 3rd party, so make double sure you know who you're buying from and what their history looks like. I've bought quite a bit from Toy Shop Japan Hobby One, and N-Lion and can recommend them. Shop with care.
More to come!
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
As with aircraft and AFV there is a healthy amount of aftermarket available. You can find detail parts, custom weapons and hands, etc., and photo-etch upgrades. Bandai themselves make their own aftermarket parts. The other major producer of aftermarket is Kotobukiya (koh-toh-boo-key-yuh) which makes anything from unique guns to display stands. You might find these at your LHS, or online through HLJ, eBay, HobbySearch, etc.
I'll leave some links for shops but I don't shop worldwide for these, so if you know of one, let me know and I'll add it. Otherwise as time goes on I'll periodically search out different suppliers and add to this list myself (I hope).
Before all that, here's just a sample list of typical upgrades:
Action Base - A stand made specifically to hold Gundam kits. Bandai makes a bunch of stands and they're usually only about $6 USD. They of course can stand on their own, but if you want a great pose, pop for one of the Bandai stands at a minimum. Well worth it.
Kotobukiya also makes stands, but in limited runs. (My favorite, the Flying Base R is out of production right now, so the three I got last February for the egg plane build that cost me $25 shipped would now be about $90 shipped…yikes)
Custom Hands – If your kit has some of the older style closed fists with no articulation, you can find sets from Bandai for different hand poses. Note: be careful you select a set with the same scale, they come in 1/144 and 1/100.
Custom Weapons – Usually from Kotobukiya, unique rifles, bazookas, swords, what have you.
Lenses – Either sight lenses for weapons (instead of the sticker or flat plastic indentation) or for mono-eyes.
PE parts for metallic details – Thrusters, vents, bolts, metal verniers (thruster bells).
Waterslide Decals – A few different places to find these, including (frustratingly) Bandai themselves. Some folks run a cottage industry printing their own custom sets, while Bandai's will either be specific to a kit or just a general set of symbols and font-correct letters and numbers.
Online Stores:
USA Gundam Store http://www.usagundamstore.com/
A good place to start looking for aftermarket parts. They tend to sell out quickly and take a while to restock, though. They also have kits for sale.
Japan:Cool UK http://japan-cool.co.uk/
Similar to USA Gundam Store, but on the other side of the Atlantic.
MindFenix AU https://www.mindfenix.com.au/
For the Aussies, MindFenix carries a lot of kits including P-Bandai that are hard to find elsewhere. As far as I know they do not ship worldwide.
Hobby Link Japan http://hlj.com/
They carry most of the Bandai and Kotobukiya aftermarket, though quantities come and go. I've never had a problem with them, but their shipping costs can add up quickly. They actually have an entire category for Gundam in their search drop-down menu. Once there, you should find categories down the left with aftermarket options.
HobbySearch http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
A good site to use to research what's in the box. Most kits will have pictures of the entire contents of the box and the instruction manual. I've bought from them once or twice as well and had a good experience. (Repost from Resources, but you can buy from them too, obviously.)
Samueldecal https://www.facebook.com/Samueldecal/
Need decals? Bandai doesn't make them for your kit? This is your guy. He's migrating to a new website so right now handles everything through Facebook, but he responds to messages with a day or two and will do custom work if you send him images to print. He also keeps a stock of 3rd party decals from other sellers. Note that sometimes you can run into "engrish" on the decals, but considering even the official materials have a lot of misspelling it's not a big deal. (I don't know if you noticed that the Doms I'm building for the Sci-Fi SiG are "Mass Productive" and "Desert Valiant"…just saying…) Custom decals may or may not be pre-cut depending on the nature of the decals you want.
He's very easy to contact and work with, and my impression is the complaints about spelling are from two sources: 3rd party decals and customer/user error from custom text (i.e. they can't spell to begin with). Of course, you can make your own at home, but it's a hassle and all reports say he's an ace at shipping and, if you aren't satisfied, making it right when it goes wrong.
eBay and Amazon
Obviously. But check out what you're looking for on one of the above sites first and then compare. Sometimes they can be cheaper, many times not. Also, make sure you check the seller history on both. Amazon in particular won't alway make it 100% clear that you're buying from a 3rd party, so make double sure you know who you're buying from and what their history looks like. I've bought quite a bit from Toy Shop Japan Hobby One, and N-Lion and can recommend them. Shop with care.
More to come!
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:35 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
WORK IN PROGRESS
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
What is a "Mobile Suit?"
These kits are mostly mobile suits from a long running series in Japan called "Mobile Suit Gundam." Spanning more than 35 years, the series has produced shows that run the gamut from war dramas to the pseudo-kaiju genres of fighting robots. In all cases, the machine is anywhere from 10-30 meters tall, piloted by a human, and there will be at least one prototype hero machine called a Gundam.
The mobile suits function as an analog to World War Two aircraft, changing the nature of warfare upon their arrival in the theater. As such you can expect to find callbacks to real weapons in the names and styling of the kits.
The original series and its sequels in the UC timeline (see below) are war dramas focused on a civil war between a faction of the "spacenoids" living in orbital colonies and the Earth Federation. While the rebelling faction (the Zeon) resorts to atrocities like dropping colonies and asteroids onto the Earth and initially establishes themselves as villains their cause is not without merit, and indeed at times the Federation is itself the villain as their methods are brutal, racist, and cruel. Look to these if you want more of a hard core military feel ranging from snipers to grenadiers, tanks to sleek aircraft.
The themes found in the non-UC timeline shows can vary wildly, but nearly all are focused on a struggle between an oppressor and the oppressed. In the midst of it all, a Gundam--or several Gundams--fights to save the day. If you prefer a more fantastical design, from swords to wings to Gatling gun wielding winged machines with swords strapped to their backs, this is your timeline.
Ok, so I'm going to briefly discuss the various series that make up Mobile Suit Gundam. I think if I can give you a little sense about the aesthetic of each series you can zero in on the look of the kit you want more quickly. There's got to be over 500 kits out there, maybe even 700, so just searching blindly can be daunting.
I'm not going to discuss much about the stories or characters and so on—this is NOT an anime forum. I'm happy to chat about such things through PM or maybe in a post on the non-modelling chat sub-forum, but not here.
There's two basic categories of Gundam films and TV shows/OVA. They are separated by the calendar the series uses. The more serious war drama films will take place in a continuity called "Universal Century" (UC), while the rest have their own calendars, continuities, and themes. I'll group the series into those two groups and then by their release, chronologically.
Each entry will have a simple summary of the series and two links; one link to HLJ and one to Hobby Search. That way you can get a quick look at what the kits look like. You can of course buy them in many other places, I only use these two because they can be easily sorted by series and have some excellent images to look at.
Universal Century (UC)
Mobile Suit Gundam (TV, 1979)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The series that started it all, 50 episodes where giant mechs are treated like aircraft in that they demolish the old way of making war (warships) and aren't themselves sentient beings.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (TV, 1985)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: Beloved sequel series, Zeta is 50 episodes of some wild designs from Mamoru Nagano (Five Star Stories) that takes the series into the transformable machine territory popularized by Macross.
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (TV, 1986)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The wild designs of Zeta both calm down and get even more wild in this underrated sequel of 50 episodes.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (Film, 1988)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The final clash of series hero and Gundam pilot Amuro Rey and his nemesis Char Aznabel as the forces of Neo Zeon attempt to wipe out life on Earth once and for all.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (OVA. 1989)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An excellent 6 episode OVA centered around one Federation pilot, her neighbor kid who adores Zeon mobile suits, and the Zeon soldiers sent to capture a Gundam prototype.
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (Film, 1991)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An aborted 50 episode series remade into one movie, F-91 reunites the original character and mecha designers for one last hurrah.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (OVA, 1991)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An amazing 12 episode OVA where the remnants of Zeon capture a Gundam prototype that carries an illegal nuclear weapon; Gundam fights Gundam for the first time in the Universal Century universe.
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (TV, 1993)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (OVA, 1996)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A 12 episode OVA with a Viet-Nam era vibe focused on one MS team's fight in the jungles of South America.
Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO (OVA, 2004)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A CGI series of small stories based in the UC 0079 One Year War that features a couple updates of old designs and a unique pair of tanks--the M61A5 MBT among them.
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (OVA, 2010)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A sequel to 1988's "Char's Counterattack," this 12 episode OVA uses the best of modern animation to give new life to old designs while detailing the fallout of the conflict that signaled the end of Neo-Zeon.
Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin (OVA, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: I prequel for the original 1979 series, Origin follows the story of perpetual villain Char Aznabel as he transitions from young man into the most feared MS ace in the series (The Red Comet).
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (OVA, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A short 4 episode OVA that tells the story of two pilot adversaries dueling for supremacy in the ruins of a space colony--Thunderbolt is dark, gloomy, and more adult themed than most entries in the series.
Non-UC
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
G Gundam (TV, 1994)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam Wing (TV, 1995) and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (OVA, 1997)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam X (TV, 1996)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Turn A Gundam (TV, 1999)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam SEED (TV, 2002) and Gundam SEED Destiny (TV, 2004) and Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer (OVA, 2006)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ, (Destiny)
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam 00 (TV, 2007) and Gundam 00: A Wakening of the Trailblazer (Film, 2010)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gunpla Builders Beginning G (OVA, 2010) and Build Fighters (TV, 2013) and Build Fighters Try (TV, 2014)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch (there's teddy bear kits at the top, but the kits start 4 entries or so down...)
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam AGE (TV, 2011)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Reconguista in G (TV, 2014)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Iron-Blooded Orphans (TV, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
WORK IN PROGRESS
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
What is a "Mobile Suit?"
These kits are mostly mobile suits from a long running series in Japan called "Mobile Suit Gundam." Spanning more than 35 years, the series has produced shows that run the gamut from war dramas to the pseudo-kaiju genres of fighting robots. In all cases, the machine is anywhere from 10-30 meters tall, piloted by a human, and there will be at least one prototype hero machine called a Gundam.
The mobile suits function as an analog to World War Two aircraft, changing the nature of warfare upon their arrival in the theater. As such you can expect to find callbacks to real weapons in the names and styling of the kits.
The original series and its sequels in the UC timeline (see below) are war dramas focused on a civil war between a faction of the "spacenoids" living in orbital colonies and the Earth Federation. While the rebelling faction (the Zeon) resorts to atrocities like dropping colonies and asteroids onto the Earth and initially establishes themselves as villains their cause is not without merit, and indeed at times the Federation is itself the villain as their methods are brutal, racist, and cruel. Look to these if you want more of a hard core military feel ranging from snipers to grenadiers, tanks to sleek aircraft.
The themes found in the non-UC timeline shows can vary wildly, but nearly all are focused on a struggle between an oppressor and the oppressed. In the midst of it all, a Gundam--or several Gundams--fights to save the day. If you prefer a more fantastical design, from swords to wings to Gatling gun wielding winged machines with swords strapped to their backs, this is your timeline.
Ok, so I'm going to briefly discuss the various series that make up Mobile Suit Gundam. I think if I can give you a little sense about the aesthetic of each series you can zero in on the look of the kit you want more quickly. There's got to be over 500 kits out there, maybe even 700, so just searching blindly can be daunting.
I'm not going to discuss much about the stories or characters and so on—this is NOT an anime forum. I'm happy to chat about such things through PM or maybe in a post on the non-modelling chat sub-forum, but not here.
There's two basic categories of Gundam films and TV shows/OVA. They are separated by the calendar the series uses. The more serious war drama films will take place in a continuity called "Universal Century" (UC), while the rest have their own calendars, continuities, and themes. I'll group the series into those two groups and then by their release, chronologically.
Each entry will have a simple summary of the series and two links; one link to HLJ and one to Hobby Search. That way you can get a quick look at what the kits look like. You can of course buy them in many other places, I only use these two because they can be easily sorted by series and have some excellent images to look at.
Universal Century (UC)
Mobile Suit Gundam (TV, 1979)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The series that started it all, 50 episodes where giant mechs are treated like aircraft in that they demolish the old way of making war (warships) and aren't themselves sentient beings.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (TV, 1985)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: Beloved sequel series, Zeta is 50 episodes of some wild designs from Mamoru Nagano (Five Star Stories) that takes the series into the transformable machine territory popularized by Macross.
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (TV, 1986)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The wild designs of Zeta both calm down and get even more wild in this underrated sequel of 50 episodes.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (Film, 1988)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: The final clash of series hero and Gundam pilot Amuro Rey and his nemesis Char Aznabel as the forces of Neo Zeon attempt to wipe out life on Earth once and for all.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (OVA. 1989)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An excellent 6 episode OVA centered around one Federation pilot, her neighbor kid who adores Zeon mobile suits, and the Zeon soldiers sent to capture a Gundam prototype.
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (Film, 1991)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An aborted 50 episode series remade into one movie, F-91 reunites the original character and mecha designers for one last hurrah.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (OVA, 1991)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: An amazing 12 episode OVA where the remnants of Zeon capture a Gundam prototype that carries an illegal nuclear weapon; Gundam fights Gundam for the first time in the Universal Century universe.
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (TV, 1993)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (OVA, 1996)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A 12 episode OVA with a Viet-Nam era vibe focused on one MS team's fight in the jungles of South America.
Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO (OVA, 2004)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A CGI series of small stories based in the UC 0079 One Year War that features a couple updates of old designs and a unique pair of tanks--the M61A5 MBT among them.
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (OVA, 2010)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A sequel to 1988's "Char's Counterattack," this 12 episode OVA uses the best of modern animation to give new life to old designs while detailing the fallout of the conflict that signaled the end of Neo-Zeon.
Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin (OVA, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: I prequel for the original 1979 series, Origin follows the story of perpetual villain Char Aznabel as he transitions from young man into the most feared MS ace in the series (The Red Comet).
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (OVA, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary: A short 4 episode OVA that tells the story of two pilot adversaries dueling for supremacy in the ruins of a space colony--Thunderbolt is dark, gloomy, and more adult themed than most entries in the series.
Non-UC
1. Tools
2. Grades (choosing the right kit for you)
3. Glossary
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket and Online Retail
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
7. The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
G Gundam (TV, 1994)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam Wing (TV, 1995) and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (OVA, 1997)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam X (TV, 1996)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Turn A Gundam (TV, 1999)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam SEED (TV, 2002) and Gundam SEED Destiny (TV, 2004) and Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer (OVA, 2006)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ, (Destiny)
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam 00 (TV, 2007) and Gundam 00: A Wakening of the Trailblazer (Film, 2010)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Gunpla Builders Beginning G (OVA, 2010) and Build Fighters (TV, 2013) and Build Fighters Try (TV, 2014)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch (there's teddy bear kits at the top, but the kits start 4 entries or so down...)
Single Sentence Summary:
Gundam AGE (TV, 2011)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Reconguista in G (TV, 2014)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Iron-Blooded Orphans (TV, 2015)
Take me to the kits:
HLJ
HobbySearch
Single Sentence Summary:
Last edited by Lysus on Sun Aug 07, 2016 10:27 pm, edited 9 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
The Build: RG 1/144 MS06 Zaku II – Part I
I thought it would be nice for the uninitiated to watch a build go together in case you're curious what you might be getting into. For this one I'll do a Real Grade Zaku II. In part because I've yet to do an RG, but also because I've got two HG build going in the Sci-fi SiG right now. Once it's done, I'll splice it in here so you can see the two lower grades get done.
I'll do a Master Grade later and in another post here.
This build will be a snap-up only, I won't paint it so you can see how they look unpainted. The HGs when they finish will both be painted.
First up, inside the box:
As you can see, there's quite a bit inside the RG kits. The A runner is almost always your multi-color injection runner:
Your other runners done in different colors:
RG's, like most newer MG's, have an inner frame like a skeleton that the armor clips onto. This kit starts with the legs and feet:
People can cut their parts free from the runners in any way they see fit, but for this example I'm following the standard Gunpla SOP. Cut the gates from below so you can see where you're cutting. Cut away from the piece leaving a bit of the gate behind on the part:
At this point you can cut the rest with a nipper or hobby knife:
Or, as I did, take it off with a file. The benefit of the file is that two to four strokes with the file and the nub is gone completely without stressing the plastic as you can do with a knife or nipper. The trick is to only apply the smallest amount of pressure and move the file only in one direction and NOT back and forth. File in one direction, stop, pick it up, start over:
One neat thing with the RG kits is how the dark inner frame gets dressed up with the color armor pieces:
One particular detail I love/hate were the energy hoses. They're a staple of Gundam, but normally you get a rubber tube at best, but most often a solid molded plastic tube. For this kit, you get springs and dozens of plastic rings:
You feed the spring through the rings, then cut them free:
The part I didn't like about them is nub removal on tiny rings is a nightmare, and I can only imagine what a pain these would be if you wanted to paint them...
Anyway, lower body done:
Inner frame for arms and chest:
Neat and unexpected gimmick, there's a cockpit seat and hatch that opens, though you can't seat the tiny pilot they pack in with the kit:
Armor shell on to the inner frame:
More, smaller hoses for the head:
The head. The kit gives you three options for the head, a grunt with a smooth dome, a spike for the NCO, and a more ornate spike for the high ranking officer. I went with the NCO spike.
The head itself has a gimmick; the mono-eye is on a geared track and when you turn the head it also causes the eye to traverse giving the kit a more lifelike feel. All of this is behind a clear plastic shield, much more detailed and better than the HG method os a sticker on a black flat plastic:
Note that there's a pink sticker for the mono-eye, if you want to paint it, it could be trickier and must be done before you build the head unless you want to take it all apart again. Nothing wrong with that, just be warned.
Once all that is done, the Zaku is put together! Now the process of stickers begins. The HG kits might have a few foil stickers, or maybe 20 stickers on a sheet, the RG has well over a hundred. Some metallic, some tiny detail stickers, and a few larger accent colors that you'd paint if you painted the kit. Interestingly the kit gives you options for rank insignia ranging from the lowest private to Captains. Pretty great.
Coming Soon, the finished kit
I thought it would be nice for the uninitiated to watch a build go together in case you're curious what you might be getting into. For this one I'll do a Real Grade Zaku II. In part because I've yet to do an RG, but also because I've got two HG build going in the Sci-fi SiG right now. Once it's done, I'll splice it in here so you can see the two lower grades get done.
I'll do a Master Grade later and in another post here.
This build will be a snap-up only, I won't paint it so you can see how they look unpainted. The HGs when they finish will both be painted.
First up, inside the box:
As you can see, there's quite a bit inside the RG kits. The A runner is almost always your multi-color injection runner:
Your other runners done in different colors:
RG's, like most newer MG's, have an inner frame like a skeleton that the armor clips onto. This kit starts with the legs and feet:
People can cut their parts free from the runners in any way they see fit, but for this example I'm following the standard Gunpla SOP. Cut the gates from below so you can see where you're cutting. Cut away from the piece leaving a bit of the gate behind on the part:
At this point you can cut the rest with a nipper or hobby knife:
Or, as I did, take it off with a file. The benefit of the file is that two to four strokes with the file and the nub is gone completely without stressing the plastic as you can do with a knife or nipper. The trick is to only apply the smallest amount of pressure and move the file only in one direction and NOT back and forth. File in one direction, stop, pick it up, start over:
One neat thing with the RG kits is how the dark inner frame gets dressed up with the color armor pieces:
One particular detail I love/hate were the energy hoses. They're a staple of Gundam, but normally you get a rubber tube at best, but most often a solid molded plastic tube. For this kit, you get springs and dozens of plastic rings:
You feed the spring through the rings, then cut them free:
The part I didn't like about them is nub removal on tiny rings is a nightmare, and I can only imagine what a pain these would be if you wanted to paint them...
Anyway, lower body done:
Inner frame for arms and chest:
Neat and unexpected gimmick, there's a cockpit seat and hatch that opens, though you can't seat the tiny pilot they pack in with the kit:
Armor shell on to the inner frame:
More, smaller hoses for the head:
The head. The kit gives you three options for the head, a grunt with a smooth dome, a spike for the NCO, and a more ornate spike for the high ranking officer. I went with the NCO spike.
The head itself has a gimmick; the mono-eye is on a geared track and when you turn the head it also causes the eye to traverse giving the kit a more lifelike feel. All of this is behind a clear plastic shield, much more detailed and better than the HG method os a sticker on a black flat plastic:
Note that there's a pink sticker for the mono-eye, if you want to paint it, it could be trickier and must be done before you build the head unless you want to take it all apart again. Nothing wrong with that, just be warned.
Once all that is done, the Zaku is put together! Now the process of stickers begins. The HG kits might have a few foil stickers, or maybe 20 stickers on a sheet, the RG has well over a hundred. Some metallic, some tiny detail stickers, and a few larger accent colors that you'd paint if you painted the kit. Interestingly the kit gives you options for rank insignia ranging from the lowest private to Captains. Pretty great.
Coming Soon, the finished kit
Last edited by Lysus on Fri Aug 12, 2016 12:46 am, edited 2 times in total.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
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PrivateMansoor
- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Sun Dec 13, 2015 4:20 am
- Location: Australia
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Real great info Lysus. Really learning alot. I think Im going to get some non grade kits some of them look good. Didnt even knew they existed, so thanks for that. Your glossary is pretty handy too.
Fear Nothing, Build Everything.
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Glad I could help! More on the wayPrivateMansoor wrote:Real great info Lysus. Really learning alot. I think Im going to get some non grade kits some of them look good. Didnt even knew they existed, so thanks for that. Your glossary is pretty handy too.
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Twokidsnosleep
- General
- Posts: 18293
- Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 4:07 pm
- Location: BC,Canada
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Holy cow, you are like the full on full force Gangam boy expert!!!
Question: Do they all wear women's shoes????
Question: Do they all wear women's shoes????
Scott
On, Under or near the desk
Brewster Buffalo ..buddy build
Rockford Firebird
1/72 Black Pearl Pirate Ship in dry dock
On, Under or near the desk
Brewster Buffalo ..buddy build
Rockford Firebird
1/72 Black Pearl Pirate Ship in dry dock
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Twokidsnosleep wrote:Holy cow, you are like the full on full force Gangam boy expert!!!
Question: Do they all wear women's shoes????
Only the ones that need to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee 
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
ScaleModelJedi
- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 396
- Joined: Sun Dec 20, 2015 12:47 am
- Location: Birmingham, UK
- Contact:
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Some very useful information Lysus 
. Really found it helpful to someone who knows very little about this subject other than they look cool. Really looking forward to getting started on my Freedom Gundam, Although I've ordered another two so may change my mind when they arrive.
. Really found it helpful to someone who knows very little about this subject other than they look cool. Really looking forward to getting started on my Freedom Gundam, Although I've ordered another two so may change my mind when they arrive.There are no failed builds only learning experiences.
MY Youtube channel : Scale Model Jedi
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSk5py ... taceCr3_3g
MY Youtube channel : Scale Model Jedi
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSk5py ... taceCr3_3g
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
The Freedom is a great design. I grabbed the MG 2.0 when it came out and am itching to build it. Glad I could help!Simon6483 wrote:Some very useful information Lysus
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
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chief5437
- Major
- Posts: 4810
- Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 1:25 pm
- Location: England
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Some great info there buddy, interesting read, looking forward to the next lot. Thanks for posting 
Chief
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Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
You're welcome, Chief, and thanks! I hope to have the references and aftermarket up tonight or tomorrow night, just need to make the time. Right now I can actually work at the bench, so that's what I'm gonna dochief5437 wrote:Some great info there buddy, interesting read, looking forward to the next lot. Thanks for posting
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
-
Paul
- Site Admin
- Posts: 12622
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- Location: Merseyside, England, UK
- Contact:
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Excellent guide jason, i look forward to reading more
-
GuyMac
- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 382
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2015 11:13 pm
- Location: Lokeren
- Contact:
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Nice job so far
-
Lysus
- Captain
- Posts: 4562
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 11:37 pm
- Location: Seattle, US
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
UPDATE 7/26
Added some terms to the glossary.
Added:
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
Note Part 6 is still very much a WIP, but it's late and even I need sleep sometimes.
Added some terms to the glossary.
Added:
4. Links and References
5. Aftermarket
6. Mobile Suit Gundam, 1979-Present: What are these kits from?
Note Part 6 is still very much a WIP, but it's late and even I need sleep sometimes.
Paul wrote:Excellent guide jason, i look forward to reading more
Thanks dudes!GuyMac wrote:Nice job so far
Backlog Progress: |||||||||||||||-------|----------|----------| 26/80
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
On the bench: Hasegawa 1/72 Tatiana's Vanship
Last Completed: Bandai HGUC Geara Zulu // Hasegawa 1/48 J2M3Raiden Prisoner of War
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AdamLuscombe
- First Sergeant
- Posts: 523
- Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2014 6:57 pm
- Location: texas
Re: Gundam Kit Guide/FAQ
Great guide, very useful
On the bench:
Dragon
1/35 Jagdpanzer IV L/48
Italeri
1/24 Ford Escort Mk. II
Dragon
1/35 Jagdpanzer IV L/48
Italeri
1/24 Ford Escort Mk. II
